Local businesses were on alert Monday night after a scam to steal money by someone claiming to be with Central Maine Power.Click here to watch the report.Management at the Congress Street Variety Store said someone called them, saying they owed nearly $1,500 on their electric bill.Next door, The Inn at St. John received several calls this year, including one this fall.The person on the phone told businesses they have to pay over the phone or the power will be turned off in 45 minutes.Shops are asked for bank account and routing information to make the payment, which could lead to money being stolen from business accounts.One general manager said he hopes businesses pay close attention.“We’re a very conscientious company, and we know what to do, and we know what we pay for bills. We were OK, but like I said, I’m worried about other businesses in the area who may not be on the ball with this kind of thing and may be frightened by the thought of their power being cut off,” said Terry Morrison, general manager of The Inn at St. John.Morrison said she hangs up when they get calls. She suggested other businesses do the same or call their provider back directly to check on their accounts.

PORTLAND, Maine —

Local businesses were on alert Monday night after a scam to steal money by someone claiming to be with Central Maine Power.

Management at the Congress Street Variety Store said someone called them, saying they owed nearly $1,500 on their electric bill.

Next door, The Inn at St. John received several calls this year, including one this fall.

The person on the phone told businesses they have to pay over the phone or the power will be turned off in 45 minutes.

Shops are asked for bank account and routing information to make the payment, which could lead to money being stolen from business accounts.

One general manager said he hopes businesses pay close attention.

“We’re a very conscientious company, and we know what to do, and we know what we pay for bills. We were OK, but like I said, I’m worried about other businesses in the area who may not be on the ball with this kind of thing and may be frightened by the thought of their power being cut off,” said Terry Morrison, general manager of The Inn at St. John.

Morrison said she hangs up when they get calls. She suggested other businesses do the same or call their provider back directly to check on their accounts.